From Juan Sánchez and Fabián Canobbio to David Silva

Twenty seasons ago, a young David Silva arrived in Vigo with the goal of ‘gaining experience’ in the top level of Spanish football after his development in the youth ranks of Valencia CF and a loan at SD Eibar in the Second Division. The Valencia team decided to loan him to the Vigo side for one season.

Photos: Paco Martí

That 2005-2006 Celta team also included other former Valencia players such as the Uruguayan Fabián Canobbio and Juan Sánchez. His enormous talent did not go unnoticed at A Madroa, and in just a few matchdays, taking advantage of Canobbio’s injury misfortune, he had already secured a spot in the starting eleven.

The Canarian had a great season, playing 34 matches and scoring four goals. Such a performance earned him a place in Valencia CF’s first team and a call-up to the Spanish national team in November 2006 for a friendly against Romania at the then Ramón de Carranza Stadium in Cádiz.

Silva became a legend for the Valencia team, the national team, and on the international stage.